Housecall: Kegel exercises — they’re not just for women

November 26, 2018

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIESKegel exercises for men: Understand the benefits
Think Kegel exercises are just for women? Think again. Kegel exercises for men can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can improve bladder control and possibly sexual performance. Here's a guide to performing Kegel exercises correctly.

Tips for long-distance caregivers
National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated each November, is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers. Long-distance caregiving poses extra challenges. From coordinating services to managing finances to checking in by regular phone calls or video chats, there are numerous ways you can aid a loved one from afar. Give these tips a try.

EXPERT ANSWERSCan light therapy reduce rosacea symptoms?Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. It also may produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. Treatment for rosacea focuses on controlling signs and symptoms. Most often this requires a combination of skin care and prescription treatments. Light therapy may be recommended, especially if you have tiny visible blood vessels, called "telangiectasia," on your face. Studies show that light therapy may reduce the appearance of facial redness, flushing and telangiectasia. Learn more from Dr. Lawrence Gibson, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist.

Can stevia help with weight control?
Stevia is the common name for extracts from the plant Stevia rebaudiana. In the U.S., a purified component form of the plant is "generally recognized as safe" by the Food and Drug Administration and may be used as an artificial sweetener in foods and beverages. Refined stevia preparations, such as Pure Via and Truvia, are considered nonnutritive sweeteners and have virtually no calories. Therefore, they may appeal to people trying to lose weight. While stevia and other sugar substitutes may help you manage your weight, they aren't a magic bullet. Learn more from Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist.

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Quit smoking: Surviving quit dayGetting through your quit day can be emotionally and physically challenging, especially if tobacco cravings strike. Use these tips to help get through the day:

Don't smoke — not even just one.

Begin using nicotine replacement therapy if you've chosen that method.

Remind yourself of reasons to quit smoking.

Keep physically active.

Avoid situations and people that trigger cravings.

Attend a support group, counseling session or smoking cessation class.